Land — Mountain West — CO
Water rights, rainwater law, cottage food rules, right-to-farm protections, livestock zoning, and growing conditions for Colorado landowners and buyers.
Land law varies by county, municipality, and HOA. Verify all information with your county planning department, state water agency, and a licensed attorney before any land purchase or development decision.
Water law
Pure prior appropriation. Water completely separate from land. Contact Colorado Division of Water Resources (dwr.colorado.gov). Wells require permits.
Limited collection: up to 110 gallons (two 55-gallon barrels) per household under HB 16-1005. For outdoor use on the property only.
Land use and production law
Colorado Cottage Foods Act: low-risk foods; $10,000 gross annual cap; direct, farmers market, and internet sales allowed. Verify with Colorado Department of Public Health.
Colorado Agricultural Protection Act (C.R.S. §35-3.5-101) protects established agricultural operations.
Rural/agricultural zones (A-1, A-2) generally permit livestock. Front Range suburban areas frequently restrict. Check county zoning and HOA CC&Rs.
Growing conditions
Hardiness zones
3a (high mountain valleys) – 7a (western slope/Grand Junction)
Last frost
May 15 (Denver) – Jun 15 (high elevation)
First frost
Sep 15 (mountains) – Oct 15 (Front Range)
Free soil testing
Colorado State University Extension — click to visit
Soil notes
Great Plains soils east of the Rockies are productive but dry. Mountain soils are thin, rocky, and acidic. Western slope soils vary. Most Colorado soils are alkaline (pH 7.0–8.0).